chitin

chi·tin

noun \ˈkī-t^ən\

Definition of CHITIN

: a horny polysaccharide (C₈H₁₃NO₅)_n that forms part of the hard outer integument especially of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans

— chi·tin·ous \ˈkī-t^ən-əs, ˈkīt-nəs\ adjective

Origin of CHITIN

French chitine, from Greek chitōn

First Known Use: circa 1839

Rhymes with CHITIN

brighten, Brighton, chiton, frighten, heighten, lighten, tighten, titan, triton, whiten

chi·tin

noun \ˈkīt-^ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CHITIN

: a horny polysaccharide that forms part of the hard outer integument especially of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans

—chi·tin·ous \ˈkīt-^ən-əs, ˈkīt-nəs\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

chitin

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

White, horny substance found in the external skeleton of crabs, lobsters, and many insects; in internal structures of some other invertebrates; and in some fungi, algae, and yeasts. It is a polysaccharide, the monomer unit being glucosamine. It is used industrially in purifying wastewater, thickening and stabilizing foods and pharmaceuticals, and sizing and strengthening paper, and as a wound-healing agent, an ion-exchange resin, a membrane for industrial separations, and a binder for dyes, fabrics, and adhesives.